New Patriots cornerback Ras-I Dowling: ‘If we had camp tomorrow, I’d be ready to go’

New Patriots cornerback Ras-I Dowling just finished up a quick conference call with the media. Here are a few quick highlights:

Where were you when you got the call from the Patriots?
I was in Chesapeake, Virginia at the house with my family and friends.

Surprised?
No sir, no sir, no sir. I was just rejoicing with my family, and when the opportunity came to me, I really wasn’t surprisd. I believe in my ability.

Were you surprised it was the Patriots who took you?
No, I’m just really happy it was the Patriots. It’s a great organization and I’m just happy to be there.

Any pre-draft contact with the Patriots?
I spoke to them at the combine like I spoke to many other teams.

You didn’t do any pre-draft workout for them?
No.

On his health status:
I’m feeling great. I’m 100 percent. If we had camp tomorrow, I’d be ready to go.

When were you at the point when you were 100 percent?
I had my Pro Day not too long ago, my private workout not to long ago. I felt 100 percent then. So I’ve been 100 percent for awhile now.

On fighting through the adversity that the injuries presented:
It wasn’t that difficult. I’m a strong believer in Jesus Christ, and just having my faith. Whenever my time is up, He’s going to lift me up in His glory.

Did you miss games before your senior season or was it one year of bad luck?
Just one year of bad luck.

How important is special teams to your game?
Very important. I think that special teams is a big part ‘ there are some game-changing plays. I just continue to buy into special teams. I really believe that’s a way of winning.

How familiar are you with the Patriots secondary?
I don’t know. I’ll just come in and just work hard everyday, learn something from each one of those guys because they’ve done something that I haven’t done before: play a down in the NFL. So, that’s one thing I really want to learn bits and pieces from each one of those guys and just come work hard everyday.

What were your pre-conceived ideas about Bill Belichick and the franchise?
It’s a great organization. I think everybody knows that. They win year in and year out. And nothing else is expected [other] than winning. And they do things right there.

Do you have any slot cornerback or safety experience?
No, sir. Not in college.

Is there anyone on the Patriots roster you look up to?
I look up to all those guys, just being in the NFL and coming to work everyday. It’s not an easy position. So, I look up to all those guys, and I don’t want to single one guy out. I respect every single one of them.

What players did you look up to when you were growing up?
I liked a lot of cornerbacks growing up. Ronnie Lott was a real good corner. Rod Woodson. There are a lot of corners. I can’t just name every single one of them because there are so many that I used to watch growing up.

Lott and Woodson both played cornerback and safety. Does that appeal to you?
Not really, but I’m willing to do whatever the Patriots want, where they can use me, and whatever helps the team.